Tamara Bick and Drew Antzis, who comprise the directorial duo Bick/Antzis, have joined the roster of Seattle-based production company and digital storytelling agency Workhouse Creative for U.S. commercial representation. Known for its work in comedy, Bick/Antzis was previously handled for spots by Saville Productions. The directors’ credits span such clients as MSN, Yahoo, Variety and Whole Foods. For the latter, Bick/Antzis turned out In the Market: An Organic Love Story, a seven-part branded content comedy web series.
A husband-and-wife team, Antzis and Bick honed their comedic sensibilities as improv performers with groups such as Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade. “Improvisation has made us expert problem solvers,” said Antzis. “We are a team, always working together, always laughing. Whoever has an idea throws it out. The best idea wins.”
Bick added, “The big thing about improvisation is the group mind, and how more heads have more ideas. We enjoy not only collaborating with each other, but with agencies and the individuals on set.”
“These two are a perfect match as directors,” said Matt Ackerman, Workhouse Creative’s executive producer. “It truly is two different minds blending into one brilliant brain when they collaborate. Their comedy will bring you to tears and their work just keeps getting better as the years go by.”
Antzis made his initial filmmaking mark at Funny or Die where he served as a prolific in-house director, helming more than 80 videos. Included in this mix were videos on which he and Bick collaborated (including The Instructor featuring Sean Hayes, Eulogy Punch-up Artist with Jim Parsons, and Pokerhindass), although she was not credited as director. Teaming on these videos at Funny Or Die gave rise to Bick and Antzis formally becoming a full-fledged directing team.
Another notable Funny or Die credit was the Will Ferrell-starring viral video sensation The Landlord which generated more than 82 million views. The Landlord was co-directed by Antzis and Adam McKay. (Ferrell and McKay launched Funny or Die in 2007.)
Workhouse Creative has to its credit work for such brands as Microsoft, Intel, Delta and Capitol Records.
